Your home’s flooring endures the most wear and tear than any other part of your house. Every day its resistance is put to the test: dirty shoes, foot traffic, scratches, and pets all damage our floors. Even if you’re following tips on how to care for your floor, there still comes a time when it’s ready for replacement. But the question remains: when is the time to replace your flooring?
In terms of the general lifespan, carpets usually have the shortest. The average lifespan of carpet is around 10 years, however, a good quality brand and with proper upkeep, it can last longer than 15 years. The longest-lasting flooring options that can get up to 30 years of use are wood and laminate. But even if your flooring isn’t as old, without proper upkeep, it may need to be replaced even sooner. Everything about flooring durability depends on the amount of wear-and-tear it has received over the years.
So if you’re curious to see whether it’s time to reinvigorate your house with new flooring, here is what you should look for to see if it’s time for new floors.
Carpet
The carpet might be the simplest of the flooring types to see just how much damage and dirt it has accumulated throughout the years. While having your carpet cleaned can help restore some of its former glory, there are times when there are stains that just won’t come out. When that’s the case, it’s time for new carpet. Extensive damage will be difficult to repair, especially if there are any rips and tears. If your carpet is matted, then it is time to say goodbye to it.
Tile
Ceramic tile, unlike most floorings, can last forever. However, most tiles won’t make stand the test of time. Broken and cracked tiles can easily be replaced, however, if the cracking continues, it might be time to replace all of it.
Tile styles can also look dated, and many homes still have tiles from the 70s and 80s in them. While they might be in decent condition, do you enjoy the style of it? There are more timeless tile styles, like hex tile and subway, which are always great options to swap out.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring is one of the most classic and durable flooring options. Even if it looks run down, you don’t necessarily have to replace it. You can always refinish the floors to make them look brand new. But there’s a catch: some hardwood flooring is not worth refinishing, and instead, it might be more cost-efficient to replace the flooring altogether.
Vinyl and laminate
While vinyl and laminate flooring is incredibly durable, you will know when it’s time to replace. Thin flooring will begin to peel up or show serious signs of damage. Unlike tile or hardwood, you can’t repair vinyl as easily.